(de Ware Tijd) PARAMARIBO – The police are seriously considering issuing a warrant for Frans Kasantaroeno, director of the Foundation for Nature Preservation Suriname (Stinasu). Last Friday, the manager of the Brownsberg nature reserve, Paul K. was arrested for conspiracy in swindling, fraud and extortion.
The police reported the arrest of Paul K. for his involvement in illegal activities at Brownsberg in a press release. Stinasu, namely Kasantaroeno, and nature reserve manager ‘Paul’ were named by illegal gold miners as the ones who gave permission to mine in the nature reserve. The Minister of Zonal Planning, Land and Forest Management (RGB) took legal steps against the Stinasu director by lodging a complaint with the Public Prosecutor. The criminal investigation department of the Nieuwe Haven precinct is in charge of the investigation. A similar complaint was lodged by the Gold Sector Restructuring Commission (OGS). Since then, Kasantaroeno seems to have fled. The police want to bring in Kasantaroeno for questioning.
Last month the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas presented a photo book with pictures taken after an aerial inspection of the area. The photos showed over 50 illegal gold mines.
